Living History Event takes Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Back in Time

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SATURDAY 3 AND SUNDAY 4 MAY will see Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome come alive with a re-creation of military life during World War One, including a chance to see some of the historic aircraft based at the Museum being readied for the summer season.

Three groups of living historians will be based on site over the weekend for the Royal Flying Corps Living History Event and will be in character as pilots and members of the Armed Forces who would have been based at, or training at, Stow Maries in May 1916. In addition, aircraft from the WWI Aviation Heritage Trust will be out on the grass undergoing engine testing and final checks in readiness for summer air events, giving a rare opportunity to hear the roar of these classic engines.

Included in the standard Museum admission charge, visitors will be able to interact with living history group members in costume, who will be going through "final training". The event aims to faithfully re-enact how air and ground crew replacements destined for France were pulled together in May 1916 for final refresher training before boarding trucks with other units for Felixstowe and the Front. It will include military exercises and a Sunday morning chapel service in the Museum’s Mortuary Building, where participants will attend in smart "walking-out dress".

The Lufbery Royal Flying Corps Living History Group will be representing Royal Flying Corps pilots and crew (predecessors of the RAF), the Past History group’s Neil Bond will be appearing as a British Army Chaplain and members of 399 Detachment, RND will represent a training camp of replacements for the Royal Naval Division.

The Airmen’s Mess café will be open all weekend for delicious meals and snacks (please note, there will be no free entry to the café during this event).

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments:

"The Royal Flying Corps Living History Event gives visitors a taste of military life on site, as troops prepared to head to war. It’s also a fantastic chance to see some of the historic aircraft tuning up."

All proceeds from opening to the public and all events directly fund the ongoing work to preserve and protect Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and support its battle for survival.

The museum opens to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Private bookings are available on other days. To plan your visit on a regular opening day, go to www.stowmaries.org.uk. For details of other exciting events at the museum in 2025, see www.stowmaries.org.uk/events.

Situated between Chelmsford and Maldon in the Essex countryside, the site hosts the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world. It was the base of 37 (Home Defence) Squadron Royal Flying Corps, which was tasked to protect London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman’s Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN is open from 10am until 4pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.